SofterWare President Named Philadelphia Inquirer Industry Icon

Dr. Nathan Relles was named an Emerging Icon in the Philadelphia Inquirer inaugural Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

HORSHAM, PA ‐ NOVEMBER 17, 2016

Nathan Relles, Ph.D., President and Chief Innovation Officer of SofterWare, Inc., will be recognized as an Emerging Icon in the field of technology by the Philadelphia Inquirer during ceremonies Wednesday evening in Philadelphia, PA. Dr. Relles, who co-founded the software company in 1981 with his friend and colleague Douglas Schoenberg, will be one of six recipients of the newspaper’s inaugural Industry Icons Award.

By definition, emerging icons are men and women who have the potential to become legends. They are successful business leaders who have contributed to their communities and have helped others along the way. SofterWare clients, staff, and the numerous local nonprofit organizations that have benefitted from Dr. Relles’ philanthropy and volunteer commitment affirm his qualifications for this high honor.

Dr. Relles’ personal commitment to helping community organizations grow and prosper through the effective use of technology led to SofterWare’s creation. The company designs products such as EZCare, which automates billing, data management, payment processing and other time-consuming administrative tasks, and DonorPerfect, which helps cultivate donor relationships and achieve fundraising results. These products enable nonprofit organizations to focus their energies on fulfilling their missions and realizing their goals.

Under his leadership, SofterWare has grown from a small entrepreneurial business to a company with more than $40 million in revenue, and more than 10,000 clients in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Dr. Relles’ significant contributions to the field of technology were recognized by Ernst & Young, which named him a finalist in its 2012 Entrepreneur of the Year competition. He frequently mentors young entrepreneurs and cheers on the success of start-up organizations.

He earned his Ph.D. in Computer Sciences from the University of Wisconsin. His research and dissertation were in human factors and the design of easy-to-use computer systems. His focus on the user experience and making products that are intuitive and easy influenced his decision to name his company SofterWare.

Then and now, the company that Dr. Relles helped to build is committed to developing, marketing, maintaining and supporting software that is easy to use, and adaptable to the unique needs of its users.

Dr. Relles has created a corporate culture where food, clothing, and school supply drives flourish, and employees are encouraged to volunteer their talents and time to serve others.

Dr. Relles is the child of Holocaust survivors. His parents instilled in him the importance of strengthening the community and contributing his time, talent, and resources to organizations that ensure Jewish continuity and diffuse hatred and bigotry. He serves on the Board of Trustees of the Abramson Center for Jewish Life in Horsham, PA, Jewish Learning Venture, an Elkins Park organization that innovates programs to help people connect to Jewish life, and the National Ramah Commission, the camping arm of Conservative Judaism.

A passionate runner, he is a past president of the Ambler Running Club.Relles has run the New York City Marathon and participates each year with fellow members of the SofterWare staff in the American Odyssey Relay, a two-day, 200-mile race from Gettysburg, PA to Washington, D.C., which raises funds for cancer treatment and research.

He is committed to energy conservation and recycling and drives to work each day in the first electric car developed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

About SofterWare, Inc.

SofterWare, the parent company of DonorPerfect Fundraising Software, has been developing and supporting software that is easy to learn, use, and customize since 1981. For over 30 years, SofterWare has grown exponentially from a small entrepreneurial business to a $40 million+ company with over 10,000 nonprofit, childcare, camp, school, and payment processing clients.

Media Contact

Sam Goldenberg
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